Rise in water, sewer and recycling rates considered in Runnells

Runnells residents would see higher fees for water, sewer and recycling services should city officials move forward with proposals to be discussed at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

The Des Moines Water Works Board of Trustees approved a 5 percent rate increase for Runnells utility users in the fall, which will become effective April 1.

City officials say additional fee increases, about 3 percent more on top of the new Water Works rates, will help pay for maintenance such as water main breaks and manhole cover repairs.

They are slated to discuss, and possibly approve, the hikes at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, City Clerk Stephanie Herbold said Friday.

Under the water rate proposal, the typical family of four would see their average bill increase about $3.22 per month, from around $39.45 to $42.67. If only the Water Works rate hike took effect, that household would see an increase of about $1.95 per month.

The sewer rates being weighed by the council would similarly increase rates, from $5.70 per thousand gallons per month to $6.17.

Another proposal calls for Curb It recycling program rates to be increased, from $2.55 per bin to $2.61.

The City Council meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 110 Brown Street.